Kids seem to find a way to lick everything! It’s definitely gross, so make life a little more sanitary by learning how to properly clean all of your children’s toys.
Wooden Toys
With wooden toys it is important to know that the item should never be submerged under water. Water can cause the toy to warp or become rough, so use as little as possible. If the toy does become rough do not be afraid to lightly sand down any trouble spots. Sanding is also a simple way to remove any slight stains on an unfinished wooden toy.
To clean just wipe the item down with a cloth that has been dampened with a distilled white vinegar and water solution. Mild dish soap is a suitable alternative for the vinegar, if you wish. If the toy has become extremely dirty try rubbing a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol over the surface, but be sure to wipe it down well afterward.
Plastic Toys
A vinegar and very hot water solution work well – just let them soak for a while. If you feel like a little extra cleaning power is needed, add some mild dish soap to the solution. Once the toys have soaked for a while, be sure to rinse them well to remove any excess soap. Many people use the top rack of the dishwasher to clean various plastic toys. Obviously, do not place any electronic toys in the dishwasher or they may be permanently damaged. Any toy that cannot be submerged should be wiped down with the solution.
Fabric Toys
If you are going to wash a fabric toy in the washing machine, place it in a pillowcase and wash on the gentle cycle. After washing in the machine, dry the item on either low heat or hang it to dry. Fabric toys can be easily washed by hand by using baking soda and a cloth. Four tablespoons of baking soda for every quart of water will be an effective cleanser. If your fabric toy only needs spot cleaned use a small amount of baby soap and a wet cloth.
Board Books
Simply take pure distilled white vinegar and wipe the books down with a cloth. Allow the books to stand to dry with the pages apart.
Bath Toys
To prevent mildew buildup it is best to regularly soak any bath toys in a strong vinegar and hot water solution. Many individuals use bleach to rid bath toys of mildew. However, if done consistently, vinegar will be enough to stop any growth. Also, you won’t have to worry about baby ingesting any dangerous residues.
